September 05, (THEWILL) — South Africa moved closer to World Cup qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. The result maintains Bafana Bafana’s five-point lead at the top of Group C, with Benin now their nearest challengers following their concurrent win against Zimbabwe.
Early disruption saw Nyiko Mobbie suffer a head injury in the sixth minute, replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa. Mohau Nkota broke the deadlock after the quarter-hour mark, converting Aubrey Modiba’s lofted cross for his maiden senior international goal. The opening period proved disjointed, with both sides struggling for fluency amid frequent fouls.
The second half brought another defensive change when Thabo Moloisane also sustained a head knock, making way for Khulumani Ndamane. South Africa doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute through Lyle Foster, who capitalised on goalkeeper Moerane’s fumbled save from Modiba’s initial effort.
Foster turned provider four minutes later, setting up Oswin Appollis for a composed low finish that sealed the 3-0 scoreline. With the match effectively decided, South Africa controlled the remaining minutes without further incident.
Both nations return to Group C action on Tuesday, September 9, with South Africa hosting Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Bloemfontein, while Lesotho travel to face Benin in Abidjan. The victory leaves Bafana Bafana as strong favourites to claim direct qualification from the group.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
